Machine Choice Heavier Than A Juki 1541S

[Wizcrafts]

Here is an Adler to die for; a model 869 cylinder arm walking foot machine.

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

The Juki LU-1508 NH is the next step up. It is still an upholstery grade machine, but uses system 190 needles and the body has been modified to allow the feet to lift and alternate higher (almost 1/2 inch).

LU-1508N, LU-1508NH, & DNU-1541 series all lift 9mm at the hand lever, 16mm at the knee lifter. All the same.

As for a 190 system needle, this a longer needle than the DPX17 (135X17) needle, and would be more prone to deflection going through heavier work.

As for the H model of the LU-1508N...this machine has a heavier 'flywheel' or handwheel. It's about six pounds, the standard is is about one pound. This helps with starting torque starting the run and getting the machine turning over. The H model also has a heavy hook that will allow a larger needle and thread to be used. That's it, part for part, really. I don't really know why people would think this is a much heavier capacity machine than a standard walking foot is capable of. It's not. If you want an example of a machine with greater drive, look at models like Consew 744, Seiko JW class, Adler 220, Singer 144Ws, Juki LG-158 models, stuff like that.

That said, 1541s and 1508 machines can be setup to do some pretty darn heavy, dense work, more than most would think capable of sewing reliably. So I'm not in any way knocking these two Juki machines, in fact I think they are really really good.

Edited September 29, 2015 by Gregg From Keystone Sewing

[stickandtin]

Yowza......those new Adler machines are way out of my price range!!! The approx. $2000 I spent on the new 1541 was a bit of a stretch for me at the time. Is there a used machine out there that can sew heavier material than the 1541 but operates the same way and the feet can interchange without spending $5000-$8500? Howdy Cowboy Bob....just realized you are Bob from Toledo Industrial. The 1541S we bought from you has been challenging at times to learn to use, but wife loves it. If we weren't rookies, probably wouldn't have any questions at all about the machine.

[CowboyBob]

What are you sewing that you need a heavier machine than the 1541? Like Greg said they will sew pretty heavy,There isn't much else like this that feet interchange with that will be reasonable other than a used 1541 which are kinda hard to find.The 1541 handwheel is alittle larger than the 206 making it easier to control in thick material too.

[stickandtin]

Eventually she wants to start making awnings for the vintage trailers I restore. Most popular fabric used for awnings today is "sunbrella". Will the 1541 sew through several layers of sunbrella? If it will, maybe I just need to look for another 1541 as a back up machine.

[Wizcrafts]

Eventually she wants to start making awnings for the vintage trailers I restore. Most popular fabric used for awnings today is "sunbrella". Will the 1541 sew through several layers of sunbrella? If it will, maybe I just need to look for another 1541 as a back up machine.

By "backup machine" are you worried that your Juki is going to fail under the load? That would not normally happen unless the machine is not properly maintained and runs out of oil in critical places while she is sewing at a high speed.

Every sewing machine owner has the responsibility of oiling his or her machine. as often as needed (using Lily White or Juki Defrix sewing machine Oil). Further, they must make sure that any frayed thread segments are cleared out of the bobbin case race and from the bobbin tension spring. Ideally there won't be any frayed thread in the bobbin case/basket. But, shit happens and you will eventually need to remove some thread from the bobbin case and the race surrounding it.

[CowboyBob]

Yes,the 1541 will sew awnings w/o any problems.

[stickandtin]

Wiz and Bob- thanks so much for all the advice. I keep the machine oiled regularly and so far, wife sews slow with it. No high speed stitching yet. Good to know the 1541 will handle awnings. We live way out in the country, about 45 miles from town. There are no upholstery supply places in Lubbock and no industrial sewing machine sales or repair shops. If the Juki needed fixing, closest place would be Bob or a couple of places in Dallas I know nothing about. In addition to having a back up machine, I was thinking it might be advantageous to keep one set up to do a specific job. From all the info and advice given, I will look for a second Juki 1541 as this machine will handle every type of upholstery we plan to do.

[jeffss]

try the Durkopp Adler 867 , ECO , XXL bobbin on a servo. Jeff

[Wizcrafts]

try the Durkopp Adler 867 , ECO , XXL bobbin on a servo. Jeff

I already posted links to those Adler machines on the first page on this topic.